Danny Houghton is determined to maintain his unbeaten run in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with Hull FC as the club prepare to face Leeds Rhinos tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Black and Whites have won their last four semis, with victories against St Helens in 2005 and Wakefield Trinity in 2008 being followed by triumphs over Warrington Wolves in 2013 and Wigan Warriors last year.

Houghton has played in the last three and in the latest of those successes, he helped Hull to a 16-12 win over Wigan last season in the final four before leading the Black and Whites to glory at Wembley for the first time.

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Houghton says the Cup achievements over the years have built up a confidence in the group and he’s hoping the trend continues at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium, the venue for two of the last three semi triumphs.

“We seem to do the right thing on the day when we play in semi-finals. You have to perform and keep level-headed. We have really timed things well in semi-finals and hopefully we can do the same again,” Houghton told the Mail.

“We are going in confident with our ability and what we’ve got in our squad. We can really learn from what we did last

season and when it comes to that gritty stuff when we are trying to kill or chase a game, we know what it takes to do that.

“This is why you play the game and there are not many bigger matches than a Challenge Cup semi-final. We have prepared really well and we are looking forward to it now.

“Our goal is to play in finals and last year’s experiences are something the boys all talk about on a regular basis and it’s something we have to do again.”

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Hull have had their struggles this term due to injuries, having lost the likes of Gareth Ellis, Scott Taylor, Fetuli Talanoa and Houghton himself for significant periods.

But all those seniors are back now and FC have arguably their strongest squad available for the final-four tie, with Houghton starting to feel like its all coming together for the Cup holders.

“In terms of going into the semi-final we are going in relatively full strength and that is a massive boost for us as well,” Houghton added.